'The Lion King' child actress Imani Dia Smith found dead at 25; cops arrest her boyfriend for fatal stabbing - All about you need to know

Imani Dia Smith, a former child actor who played the role of young Nala in 'The Lion King' on Broadway, was reportedly found dead on December 21, 2025, in New Jersey. She was 25. As per the reports, she was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small.

Former child actress Imani Dia Smith passes away

As per multiple reports, the cops responded to a 911 call that reported a stabbing at 9:18 am on December 21. However, when they arrived at the scene, the cops found Imani Smith with stab wounds. The former child actress was rushed to the hospital. where she was pronounced dead.




Reportedly, after the probe, the cops arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, aged 35. He was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

The press release acquired by Variety read, "Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident; thus, it was not a random act of violence."

More about Imani Dia Smith

According to the Playbill report, Imani Dia Smith essayed the role of young Nala in 'The Lion King' on Broadway from September 2011 to September 2012.

As per the GoFundMe started by the late actress' aunt, Kira Helper, Imani is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and two siblings. In the fundraiser created by her aunt, she wrote that her niece was "senselessly killed by her boyfriend." The caption added, "Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person."

The message further read, "A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King—an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world."

The fundraiser has been created to support Imani's parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper. Reportedly, by Wednesday, the campaign had raised more than USD 46,000.

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